Tricia Deguire, a talented Québécoise goaltender, recently navigated a challenging path in her hockey career. After missing the previous season due to injury, she participated in the training camp for the Victoire. Deguire had gained experience working with the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the LHJMQ, becoming only the second woman to coach at this level in Quebec’s major junior hockey history.
Missed Opportunities and Competitions
During the camp, Deguire did not play any preparatory matches. Ultimately, the team opted for German goaltender Sandra Abstreiter and Ontario’s Elaine Chuli instead. Returning to her native Estrie, she resumed her kinesiology work, facing limited professional opportunities as European teams had already filled their rosters.
In March, an injury to Ann-Renée Desbiens prompted Victoire to call Deguire. She accepted the temporary offer, balancing her job while helping the team. In the summer, she received another invitation to the Victoire’s training camp, where her chances seemed promising, especially after Chuli’s departure. Megan Warrener, a new recruit, joined the roster; however, she had not been a starting goaltender during her four seasons at the University of Connecticut.
Training Camp Challenges
In her first exhibition game against Boston, Deguire made a challenging start. Conceding two goals on just five shots during a half-period, she faced tough circumstances. Despite organizational praise for her efforts, the extremely limited shots made evaluation difficult. Warrener took over in goal and stopped all ten shots she faced, raising questions about the assessment process.
With only two pre-season matches available, Deguire’s evaluation relied on insufficient data. Coach Kori Cheverie acknowledged the limited scope of assessment but faced criticism for the short training period. Many wondered why there weren’t more matches, such as intra-squad games, to better gauge the goalies.
The Final Decision
Tricia was called to Montreal for a crucial meeting with team management. Following a brief conversation with General Manager Danièle Sauvageau, she learned that she would not make the roster. The announcement surprised her, leading to an emotional mix of feelings. Sauvageau encouraged her to keep playing, as new teams would join the league next season. However, with the European leagues already in full swing and few options remaining in North America, her future looked uncertain.
The Comparison with Other Goalies
Tricia’s situation sparked comparisons to Vancouver’s goaltender Kimberly Newell, who recently signed as a third-string goalie despite similar challenges. Newell had also not played since the 2022 Olympics. This raises questions about opportunities for local talent and whether teams are willing to take risks on players like Deguire despite their track records.
- Tricia Deguire: Missed last season due to injury.
- Megan Warrener: Joined Victoire after four seasons in university hockey.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens: Injured, prompting Deguire’s temporary signing.
A Call for Representation
The Victoire’s decision not to select a Québécoise goaltender sparked disappointment among local fans. Currently, only nine Québécoise players have signed with the LPHF, highlighting the lack of representation in women’s hockey. Tricia’s potential role as a local hero for aspiring young female players was lost in favor of an out-of-province candidate.
In contrast, the Minnesota Frost demonstrated a commitment to their previous goaltender, Marlène Boissonneault, who signed a regular contract after serving as a backup. Deguire’s exclusion raises questions about the value placed on loyalty and regional representation in team selections.
As Tricia heads back to Sherbrooke, she reflects on her journey, weighed down by sacrifices and challenges. The lack of opportunities in professional hockey leaves her questioning future prospects and the next steps in her career.
